LAIDDBACKZACH INTERVIEW

LaiddBackZach is a recording/performing artist from Sonoma County, CA by way of Compton, CA. We sat down to talk music and all the exciting stuff he has going on at the moment!

What’s up man? How have you been?

I’m solid. Just taking it day by day. Grinding and plotting on this music, I got a lot of plays in work.

Hell yeah. Let’s get to it, where are you from and how did you get into music? What were some of your early influences?

I’m from Compton CA man. SoCal, LA, all that. All my fam still there. I got into music at a young age, hearing it around the house and in the streets. Some of my early music influences were Temptations, NWA, 2Pac, Ice Cube, Usher, and Michael Jackson.

All the good stuff. When did you move to Sonoma County and how did you get into the music scene out here?

Yup, I moved to Sonoma County in 2010. I graduated high school in 2009. In my senior year, I grinded so hard, last minute, to get into Sac State, only to go there and start taking music and partying more serious than school. Not my proudest life experience, but it taught me a lot and started my music journey. Kids, stay in school! Anyway, I ended up flunking out and didn’t tell anybody, I moved out to Sonoma County with my then-girlfriend Lea, who I had knew for 8 months, and only been dating for 2 months. From there, I reached out and reconnected with Sonoma County residents - TWall & Sane (who I met at Sac State through mutual friends) and I started recording with them.

Pride for your city whether it be adopted or where you are from seems to be important to you. Do you feel spending time in NorCal and SoCal has helped your versatility?

Absolutely! Living in SoCal taught me a lot about community, the streets, culture, and the inner city experience. Moving to Sonoma County showed me life on the “other side” so-to-speak. Living amongst white people for the first time taught me a lot and helped me understand America more. It gave me a lot of perspective and made me well rounded. Then that translated into the music over time; and as I grew in my art, I started to explore more sounds and tempos. It was unintentional but was the best that could have happened for me, musically and personally.

The nuance definitely shows in your music. What a good opportunity for someone to experience both sides of the street, not a lot of people get to do that. So you have been on an absolute roll this year. You got your own beer from Old Caz and your own pizza from Sal’s Pizza along with performing what seems to be non stop. First tell me about the beer and pizza because that has to be the coolest thing ever.

Yeah man, I appreciate you saying that because sometimes you get so caught up in the process and looking forward, that you don’t really stop to appreciate everything you’ve done thus far. So before I talk about the pizza, I’ll start with the beer, because without the beer, there probably wouldn’t be any pizza. Shoutout to Old Caz Beer. Great beer & even better people. They heard the music organically, liked it and we built a relationship. Then this idea came up and we executed it and it was successful. It’s called Ale-B-Z (a smooth Hazy Pale Ale).

The pizza came from Sal’s (in Cotati) reopening & reaching out after hearing about the beer and my music. Then we met and decided to collaborate on promoting. So they are now selling my beer there along with the LaiddBack-ZA (pesto/chicken/jalapenos/ricotta). It’s a beautiful thing man. Promoting local businesses and receiving support from them on the music.

You know I’m a beer guy and dead honest Ale-B-Z is one of my favs. Man how fucking cool. Two rad company’s and organic growth. Doesn’t get much sicker than that. I gotta ask, do you get free beer and pizza?

Wow appreciate it. Yea it’s dope to have sponsorships with two places that legit are the best at what they do, in the area and beyond. I’m glad you like it. It is really good. I’m honored man. And yes, I do get free beer sometimes but I don’t abuse it. The pizza, they’ll give me a discount, or if not, take it out my cut. Lol.

Hell yeah. So what about shows? Talk to me a little bit about the live band performances. What I’ve seen has been so good.

Yea my favorite thing to do is perform. I have been doing shows nonstop this year. So now in November, I’ve been taking a little break to focus on family, resetting, and getting back in the lab. With shows, I have versatility there too. I love doing digital audio shows, but the band has taken it to a whole new level. I met these guys from doing a show with Timeless Experience. After that they took a liking to my sound and performance. From there, I started practicing and performing with them more and more and more.

It stokes me out whenever I see hip hop or r&b artists with live bands. It takes confidence to be able to make that transformation. What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far and what has been the most challenging?

The most memorable part of my career would have to be 2024. I did more shows than ever, the pizza came out, I did one of my biggest shows at the Old Caz 5 yr anniversary and released my biggest song yet “This Aint It.” I finally made some off music this year. The biggest challenge is juggling regular life with the music career. I have 2 kids that I coparent, a 9-5 cuz I’m making money now but no where near enough to live in Sonoma county. So just the juggling act of that and having to be a content creator and also artist.

Yeah man it’s a grind. How much importance do you put on social media and creating content. Does having a hit record even matter any more when you are poppin on socials?

I wish I didn’t have to use social media, but in the last 10-15 years, it’s become the undeniable hub of marketing and promoting. So if you want to grow your fan base, you kind have to use it. It is a love hate thing for me. Hit records almost aren’t a thing anymore. They do exist of course but what I mean by that is, music moves so fast, and people get it from so many places, a hit ain’t even what it used to be. As long as you focus on your core and stay consistent with quality output, you can live off music without ever having a hit. That wasn’t the case 15-20 years ago.

Yeah it’s definitely a new day and age. Along with that do you think it affects the music people are making? Longevity seems to be lost with constant new releases. Is music in a rough space right now?

Yeah, I hate to say it, but yes, the music has suffered. I remember growing up, Music used to live a lot longer. For example, when someone put out a album, people would sit with it and listen to it, and digest it for months and months. A lot of artists wouldn’t put out projects too often so it would force you to sit with the album that they gave you. For me, I try to walk the line meaning, I put out albums/singles at a decent rate but not trying to keep up with the industry. I think Music is kinda in a rough place because it’s becoming more & more disposable and it is more of a vehicle for a lot of artists, to grow an audience and then pivot into something else. And I get it, cuz it’s not a lot of money in it because the streaming, and it’s so oversaturated so it really waters down the industry and the art itself unfortunately.

Yeah I’m seeing all the same things. Okay I got one more for you and a couple quick hitters. What is a piece of advice you could give to kids wanting to get into music and performing but may not have the courage to do so yet and really put themself out there?

I would say, practice in the mirror daily. Also, dont worry about criticism or doubt. They will happen, but try to brush them off and keep going. And remember, you are you and there is only ONE you. Lean into that authentic side and lean into the things you do great. If you wanna be better, keep trying. And most importantly, don’t conform or try to be like any other artist or what you think will sell. Stay you and stay at it.

Listen to him kids and follow his example. Okay I talked to Obvi the other day and asked him this question and he told me to ask you. Freaky Tales. Will we ever get a full reunion?

Maan Freaky Tales, what a show. 1000 people in Rohnert Park. Never Understood. You gotta ask those guys. I’m game for it 100%. You gotta ask our beloved brother Simon. Otherwise, Obvi still doing music, TokyoThrill back into it, Emoney still at it and so is Victoria Bratton, who opened the show. I miss NU. We had sooo much potential but life and relocations happen. But yeea, I believe one day, it will! What did Obvi say?

Obvi is down. So I got two of you. Maybe by next October it will be a reality. Do you have any crazy concept album ideas that may or may not ever see release? Is there a side of you your fans haven’t seen yet?

Yea I hope so. Put me down as IN. And yea I create sooo much music, my vault runneth over lol. So no doubt. I have a whole album recorded where I sing on jazzy/funky/soul beats and its a concept project about the rise of a relationship from a one night stand to a deep love that soon turns sour because the foundation wasn’t built. Just alcohol fun and lust. But in the end, the true colors shine and they part ways. I’m more lover boy, more melodic and very vulnerable on that project. May see the light one day.

I’m sure I can speak for everyone when I say we need that!! Okay, we talked NBA jerseys for like an hour last time I saw you. Best jersey all time. Shoot.

Oooohh thats tough. Cuz Ima die hard and live hard Laker fan, but most of our jerseys are basic!! But a Laker jersey would be the Mamba black and yellow jerseys. But overall, and forgive me Laker nation, first one comes to mind is the black Orlando Magic pinstripe joint. It’s something about it I love or the Vancouver Grizzles teal one. Way too many but, thats my answer.

I won’t disagree. Two all time greats. No one can be mad at that. Well shit man thank you so much for your time and it’s been great. You got anything you wanna promote or any last words?

Ay thanks for having me brotha. Much appreciated. U got my full support. And yes, I got a lot of shows in Dec/Jan/Feb and I’m booking more. Follow me on IG - @lbzmuzik for more info and “The Features” part 1 - out 11/27 and part 2 out 12/24. 7 tracks each. Concept album but opposite of J.Cole. Every song has a feature that makes sense for the song and overall project and its most of my favorite artist that I know personally.🙏🏾

Thanks to LBZ 🔒

You can follow LBZ @lbzmuzik

His new album “The Features” is out now! Available wherever you listen to music!!

You can find him in Ukiah, CA December 14th, Sebastopol Hopmonk January 2nd, and Santa Rosa, CA January 17th. For more information follow @lbzmuzik